Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei
Seitei Jodo was created by Shimizu Takaji. The set of 12 kata were
presented to the head of the ZNKR and demonstrated by Shimizu Takaji and
Nakajima Asakichi. After being approved by the ZNKR, Seitei Jodo was
presented to the public in 1969 by Shimizu Takaji and Otofuji Ichizo. This set of 12 kata were selected from the Shindo
Muso Ryu curriculum and modified for Kendo, Iaido, and Aikido students.

Seitei Jodo students learn the curriculum in
the following order:

12 Kihon, tandoku

12 Kihon, sotai dosa (Jo)

12 Kihon, sotai dosa (Tachi)

12 Seitei Jo kata (Jo)

12 Seitei Jo kata (Tachi)

(Depending on the instructor, students
may also learn 2-3 additional Koryu kata.)

Shinto Muso Ryu students may
be taught these kata as training exercises and as an

introduction to Jodo.

How does ZNKR differ from SMR Jodo?

There are
several differences between Seitei Jodo and Shindo Muso Ryu Jodo. The
most obvious differences are in how Uchidachi wields the sword because Seitei
Jodo is influenced by Kendo.

1. For
example, in Seitei Jodo, Uchidachi (sword wielder) will always go to Jodan Kamae before
making a cut. However, in Shindo Muso Ryu, Uchidachi usually starts in
Hasso Kamae and makes side cuts from the right or left shoulder (not
from Jodan).

2. In Seitei Jodo, Uchidachi
keeps his/her body positioned straight ahead. However, in Shindo Muso
Ryu, Uchidachi often uses Hanmi (45 degrees) position. In Seitei Jodo, Uchidachi
tends to have a narrower stance, and they keep their hips higher for
ease of movement.

3. On the Shidachi (Jo
wielder) side, the 12 Seitei Jodo kata have come to be taught the same.
Footwork may differ, but Jo techniques are similar. On this website, you
will notice the difference between Seitei Jodo and Koryu style in the
kata descriptions for Monomi and Seigan. Seigan, in particular, was
modified from the original SMR kata for safety.

4. Seitei Jodo uses
only the long sword (Odachi). Therefore, you will notice in the kata
descriptions that Seitei Jodo Hissage uses the long sword, but
traditionally Hissage is done with a short sword (Kodachi).

5. There are two
additional kata created for Seitei Jodo: Suigetsu and Shamen.

6. In Seitei Jodo,
the Uchidachi always maintains a two-handed grip on the sword throughout
the kata. The left hand is only released in Seigan, Midare Dome, and
Ranai.

What is the ranking system?

Ranks
are awarded by the Kendo Federation. There are no Kyu ranks. The first
rank a student tests for is Shodan. The requirements for each rank
are summarized below: